Yes, these blocks are very early, but for a good reason. After much prayer, I have decided to take a break from blogging beginning September 1st. Not sure how long yet, but time is needed to wait on the Lord, and prayerfully consider whether to continue the blog in 2025, or to gently close the door instead. After 16 years, I do believe that a blogging break will do me good, regardless of the final outcome. xx
As many of you are working on my free Joy in the Ordinary BOM this year, and as I'm not sure whether it will be a one, two or three months blog break I'll have before sharing my decision moving forward next year, I shall share with you Blocks 9 and 10 today, and then Blocks 11 and 12 in a few days time.
Block 9 - The Coathangers...such normal, ordinary things to be found in our homes. How reliable they are, and how very needful too - yet they are so ordinary that I rarely give them a thought other than to hang, or remove, items of clothing. I think it may be that way with the people in our lives sometimes - we're so used to them being around that we may forget to stop and take notice as to how they're faring right now, or to encourage them by sharing what we appreciate about their character, and perhaps how they inspire us. A seemingly small thing like this can lift a precious heart from the valley, and fill it with kindness, care and love. Who do you know that needs to be checked on, or may need a boost of loving care?
Block 10 - Reading...this year I have begun to read more from an actual book, and not much from the internet. Our local library has become a regular place to visit and as I browse through subjects which interest me (a mix of herbal medicines, Mediterannean cooking, gardening, healthy living) there's a delightful joy in coming home to brew a cup of herb tea and sit quietly turning the pages of a real book, discovering new things, whilst carefully sifting out what is uneccesary. Learning this way is gentle, and slow, and quite enjoyable. If I find a book that would be valubale to my studies in various areas, I try to find a second hand copy, and if that fails, only then do I purchase a new one.
My book shelves have slimmed down over the past year, as I have donated and sold many of my sewing/craft books, but now they are slowly being refilled with books on topics which my husband and I find welcome in this season of life. After all, why hold on to what is no longer of interest or required? Having less these days is proving to be 'more' because what we have, is what we will read or reference from.
One shelf which never slims though, is our collection of Bibles, as we enjoy comparing versions next to our Concordance, and the Jewish commentary we have on the culture and traditions at the time Jesus walked through Israel. It's incredibly eye-opening to understand so much of what He spoke and did through the lens of who He was minstering to (Jews), and how they would have known exactly what He meant.
Use the links below to download the free blocks 9 and 10
DOWNLOAD the free pattern for Block 9
DOWNLOAD the free pattern for Block 10
27 comments:
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for the heads up :)
This is very good news to hear that you have a choice, will be choosing how you will go futher with your blog ! Super !
After 16 years, that's a lot of back issues in the magazine world,there is a lot to re read and still to discover on the Elefantz blog :)
You should be proud to see how each year has grown and changed in style, feel and context including the wonderful writing and photos that connected you with your readers .
What ever you decide, be proud of what you have accomplished for you and your family .
hugs, take care,
Joanne
Two more lovely blocks Jennifer, thank you. xx
I love the way the Lord guides your posts and how they appear at just the right time in my life! I was talking to my sister last night to get an update on my stepmother, who just turned 90 and is suffering from the onset of Alzheimer's. You reminded me today on how important it is to reach out to people. I have recently again been writing down that are specific to my sister, calling it Do You Remember When... and I plan to bind it up and send it to her. I think we sometimes tend to take life for granted and put off these sorts of things. Take care, my friend and keep up the work of your ministry here!
Karin
Phi. 4:13
Lovely blocks as always! Thank you. And if it wouldn't be intrusive, I'd love to see a snapshot of the different Bible references you use, such as what you've mentioned here. Whether or not you go forward, I can't thank you enough for the joy and perspective you've shared through your journey. Thank you and look forward to knowing the answer when ready.
Thank you for the years of blogs and patterns. You have been a blessing to so many of us. I have found with grandchildren getting married it is good to give them things that they would like now so that I get to see them enjoy them and it uncluttered our home as well. I know that the Lord will lead you to what is best for you in this season. HE is the way, the truth and the life, as well as the light of our lives. Blessings,
Barbara
I love to read your posts Jennifer finding out about your life on the other side of the world. You amaze me how much you achieve no wonder you feel the need to take a breather and take time to maybe follow a less hectic life.
I remember reading about your joy in finding your home, can't believe it how long ago it was, seems like yesterday. Your comments about the noise from the road made me smile as it brought back memories from many years ago. grew up in a pit village in the North East of England with streets of terraced houses and a railway line at the bottom of our street. A school friend from another town came to stay for the weekend and in the morning she said she couldn't sleep for the noise of the trains. We all said "What noise?"
So enjoy your break and take your time to decide what your heart & soul tells you to do. Yes, take time to smell those lovely roses you grow and listen to the laughter of the kookaburras! God bless.
Hi Jennifer. I hadn’t done blocks in a few years, but coincidentally I mentioned you and Elefantz today on my YouTube channel. I was speaking of your stitcheries and how you have encouraged others in matters of the home and faith in God, and that you switch up your mode of communication from time to time. Take care. I am grateful for you. Even if you don’t vlog, your spirit and previous sharing remain in mind, and we can visit your website. Blessings! Alexine in Maryland (@Xine_bygrace and @AlexH2117)
Thank you, Jennifer, for all the beautiful things you’ve shared with us over the years! Your testimony of Christ and of our loving Heavenly Father I have appreciated more than you know. You have helped me I feel more confident in sharing my testimony as well! Thank you.
I know how much work you put into the embroideries and quilted pieces and do appreciate your taking time to finish the year early for all of us working on Joy!
May the Lord bless you as you seek to Hear Him and seek to follow His Will for you in the coming days! I know you have the faith necessary to wait upon Him.
With much love, Linda
BadurekL@icloud.com
Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. I remember when you moved into your home. I have been encouraged by your lovely devotion. I hope the change in your direction will be but another wonderful blessing to your life. Annie. Ann Austin
Thank you for putting these blocks out for us. I'm happily working may way through them. I hope you enjoy your sabbatical (temporary we hope) and are well and refreshed for your family. Love, Barb Mc.
Jennifer thank you so much for all you do for total strangers. I just found you about six months ago. Your work is beautiful. The world needs more who aren’t afraid to minister. I love how you always have a biblical reference in your blogs. You always encourage me to be better and do better. In my mind I keep hearing finish what you started. I have finished a few projects and working on more. I do hope you will return in 2025 even if on a smaller scale. If not we all understand. A break is good for the soul. Thank you for all your positive messages and encouragement about life in general. I do hope you will keep your Etsy store. Enjoy your time off.
OH those blocks are darling, thank you! And yes, a good reminder to reach out and encourage. Everyone can use a kind word now and then!
I am praying for you sweetheart, that the Lord will give you wisdom to know what to do about your blog. Love you!!!!!!!!
Jennifer, I will so miss your posts. I hope that after a much needed break, you will come back to us as you give us all so much encouragement in the promises of God. I am loving working on this quilt. These blocks are bring me such joy. I am a bit of a homebody myself, but I also like to travel some and also know that we are called to be in the world to share Jesus light to all we meet. I have found that I don’t have to be part of the chaos but need to arise above it and share our joy and certainty in the Lord. You do that here and so I hope you will return! God bless you! Prayers for peace and joy!
I agree with all the sentiments in the comments above. Would love to see you return, but can certainly understand if you don't. If you don't, I hope you will leave your blog up so we can return to remind ourselves of you and your words about God, the Bible and everyday life.
Thank you so much for these blocks and the promise of the last 2 soon. I totally understand your need for a break from blogging but I truly hope you know how much you will be missed. I recently suffered a massive hurt in my 52 year marriage and although I believe the breach has been healed the hurt is still very real to me. I find such comfort in your inspirational words and posts. After serving the Lord and loving my children and grandchildren homemaking and crafts are dearest to my heart. For more than a decade and a half I have felt as though I found a kindred spirit even though she was halfway around the world and in a different hemisphere. I look forward to meeting you in person someday in Heaven. Blessings from West Virginia, USA.
Jennifer-
You are a blessing to so many! You have so many talents and gifts that Jesus has blessed you with and you freely share them. It is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for all of your time and love and prayers that have gone into your blog over the years. I have followed your life for a very long time! I hope Jesus refreshes you during this time away and I will be praying that he brings you back to us if that is His will. You have shown me what it means to live a Godly life devoted to Jesus in all things and how to love my husband and family as Christ loves me. You are truly a joy to have in my life each post you share. Thanks again- K- lkw2x6-apq@yahoo.com
I just found you a few months ago and have loved reading your blog and copying your free patterns. I am new to learning embroidery so I am practicing between my quilting projects, which I love doing every day. My favorite part of your blog is your faith that shines through. Every scripture you quote or refer to brings me closer to God. Jesus is in everything and I love your blog because I see you sharing him through your love of embroidery, gardening, and love for your husband. God bless you! I am sad to think you are going to take a break, though it sounds like you really need one and want to take some time off, but don't stop completely. Please! You are a joy to know! Take a big break but come back and share more when you have rested heart, soul, and mind. I would miss you! Devonna Tabor
Thank you again for all you do for us. I do hope you will share the Bible Study
titles. They sound so interesting, especially the Jewish commentary.
A time to refresh is good and you deserve one so much. We hope you choose
to return even if less often. Hugs, Kathy
Thank you for your encouraging words in this crazy time we are living.
God bless you & your family.
I know you need a rest and I pray that your heart, soul, mind and body get what they need. But you are also an encourager and it is my hope you'll return to us with more of your lovely words. You always write like you could be my best friend and your posts with scriptures have given me a lot of joy and peace as I have gotten older and slowed down in my life as well. I wish the best in whatever you decide to do. Hugs from Sharon in Missouri, USA
follow it is a free site unless you want to go to lots and lots of people. I am at max so I now bookmark a blog and check in from time to time. another quilter I follow experienced the same thing as you. Sorry to hear. I wish you well always. Virtual huggs too.
Dear Jennifer, you will be very much missed! I don’t often comment, but wanted you to know how I have so enjoyed your stitchery designs over the years. I’ve also very much appreciated the colourful views of your home and garden that you have so generously shared, as well as the honest and heartfelt “conversations” with us as you work through a problem. You are a talented designer who has enriched my world. Thank you.
Rest well.
Dear Jenny, I am so saddened to learn that you will be taking a (maybe permanent) break from blogging, but I understand why this is what you need to do right now. You have been gently preparing us for this all year, just as the Lord has been preparing you. I am around you age, and have also had thryroid issues over the past several years, and your posts about cutting back/out certain activities and taking up others, or maybe just rest, have hit home with me. I, also, have been trying to find the right balance for this new phase in life. I, too, look toward the Lord for guidance.
May God bless and keep you and your family in His care, as you follow His gentle leading.
The Lord said, "I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way, and to bring you to the place that I have prepared." ~Exodus 23:20
Dearest Jennifer I shall miss your frequent blog posts and your beautiful projects and your shared patterns. I do hope you will be able to blog more in the future. I shall miss your post very much.,. Wishing you much love and lots of time to do projects and gardening . And much more time to devote to your kids and grand kids.Much love to you my friend
Thank you for that beautiful verse!
I love your posts and enjoy every single one. I will miss them but understand needing a time to breathe. Bless you and your family and thank you for all you have given us. So much joy.
Hi Jennifer, I'm a newer newsletter subscriber and altho I'm sad that I won't be receiving any more emails from you, I do understand and appreciate your decision. Your writings, drawings, photos and stitchings have been so wonderful and calming. I am so thankful to have found you. Hugs from Texas
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